Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
The unveiling of new jerseys is a much-anticipated event at each World Cup, with this year’s campaigns from Adidas and Nike marking a significant shift in design. Unlike past tournaments, which often leaned on classic football gear, these brands are now showcasing collections heavily influenced by streetwear, offering fans more versatile and modern options.
Nike introduced its World Cup home jerseys with a cinematic short film starring prominent athletes such as Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba, who modelled the kits paired with cargo trousers, jeans, and sneakers. Adidas took a bold step by launching its away shirts in Los Angeles, featuring models styled in flared trousers, distressed denim, and micro-shorts. The brand’s global manager explained that the initiative aims to show fans “how to bring the kits into their own life.”
“It took a few seasons for everyone to see it,” said Sam Handy, who noted that the worlds of streetwear, music, and culture have long intersected in football. “The future of football is women, and those who don’t invest in them are missing out on expanding fandom in half the population.”
Streetwear’s roots trace back to the UK’s casual subculture of the 1970s, where fans embraced everyday styles over full team colours. Brands like Fila, Sergio Tacchini, and Lacoste played key roles in popularizing items such as polo shirts and denim jackets, which gradually moved beyond the football realm into mainstream fashion.
Adidas has embraced this evolution with its £80 Britcore Jersey, a 90s-inspired piece designed for “layering up” or “making a statement at a weekend event.” Meanwhile, Nike’s Jordan and Brazil collaboration features an “old-school jersey” goalie top priced at £79.99, described as “field-ready style, remixed for the streets.”
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set for June 11 to July 19 across the US, Mexico, and Canada, some brands are pushing the boundaries between sportswear and streetwear further. Adidas first introduced cropped tops for major European clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid in 2025, creating a “more exciting product for female fans.” The trend was sparked by “seeing lots of fans cutting jerseys and re-sewing them to get the fit they wanted,” according to Handy.
For 22-year-old Ellie-Ann Prendergast, the emphasis on styling has deepened her connection to Liverpool. “Putting together outfits for matches has made me enjoy the games more,” she shared. As a new fan, she feels “accepted straight into the fanbase” because of the inclusive and family-like atmosphere around the sport.
Though football fashion has gained traction, its integration into sportswear wasn’t always seamless. In 2005, the NBA imposed a dress code requiring players to wear “business casual” attire, an effort to limit streetwear’s influence. Players later hired stylists to creatively bend the rules and express their personal flair.
British football content creator Tiannah Pedler highlights that many modern players have grown up admiring basketball stars, giving them a platform to showcase their personalities through fashion. “Those interested in style can build a strong personal brand,” she said. David Beckham pioneered this in the early 2000s, while Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Rashford, and Jude Bellingham have recently attended Paris Fashion Week shows.
French players have long been associated with bold fashion choices, with viral outfits becoming a common sight. The 2018 World Cup saw streetwear’s influence solidify as clubs like Paris Saint-Germain began blending it into their identity, setting a precedent for the current global trend.